Porter Airlines Adds New Flight Simulator in Montreal Hub

Post by : Ramanpreet Kaur

Photo : Reddit

Montreal, July 28, 2025 – In a major step toward improving aviation training in Canada, Porter Airlines, in partnership with Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS), has introduced a new full-flight simulator (FFS) for the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft at CAE’s training facility in Montreal. This initiative marks a key move in supporting the growing demand for skilled pilots as Porter Airlines expands its E2 jet fleet.

Why the New Simulator Matters

Porter Airlines is currently operating 46 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with plans to grow the fleet to 100. The airline’s decision to place the simulator in Montreal, where CAE – a world leader in aviation training – is headquartered, allows pilots to train closer to home. It also supports the airline’s long-term vision for fleet expansion and operational excellence.

The simulator is not just a machine. It’s a critical training tool that allows pilots to experience the full feel of flying an actual aircraft, including emergency scenarios, takeoffs, landings, and different weather conditions – all without leaving the ground.

Details About the Simulator: 7000XR Series with CAE Prodigy

The newly installed full-flight simulator is part of CAE’s latest 7000XR Series, developed with the CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG). This technology offers photorealistic environments and life-like motion visuals by using the Unreal Engine, a powerful video game software that provides high-definition scenes and complex modeling.

This means pilots will see moving planes, realistic airport layouts, and weather effects that feel just like the real thing. This immersive experience helps pilots improve their response, reaction, and decision-making in all types of flying situations.

A Strong Partnership Between Leaders

This collaboration brings together three big names in aviation:

1. Porter Airlines – a growing Canadian airline making large investments in modern aircraft.
2. Embraer – the Brazilian aircraft maker that builds the E195-E2 jets.
3. CAE – a Montreal-based global leader in pilot training and simulation.

Kent Woodside, Executive Vice President and CCO of Porter Airlines, shared his excitement:

“This partnership with ECTS brings together three leading aviation organizations. CAE’s expertise in training and simulation technology ensures our pilots receive the highest quality and safety standards for operating Embraer’s latest E195-E2 model.”

Michel Azar-Hmouda, Division President of Commercial Aviation at CAE, added:

“We are thrilled to welcome Porter, a new airline partner, to CAE’s training centre in Montreal. Our joint venture with Embraer enables us to elevate aviation safety and training standards by delivering world-class solutions to support the growth of the E195-E2 fleet around the world.”

Global Reach of ECTS and CAE

This is not the only E195-E2 simulator operated by ECTS. Other E2 simulators are located in Singapore and Madrid, giving pilots across different continents access to top-notch training. The ECTS also offers training for the Phenom series of Embraer business jets with simulators at CAE centers in:

• Dallas, USA
• Las Vegas, USA
• Burgess Hill, UK
• São Paulo, Brazil
• Vienna, Austria – training starts summer 2025

This broad global presence reflects ECTS and CAE’s commitment to aviation safety, innovation, and global pilot readiness.

Impact on Canadian Aviation

This simulator strengthens Canada’s position as a hub for aviation innovation. By training pilots at home, airlines like Porter can save time and costs, reduce the need for international travel, and create local employment opportunities.

It also promotes Montreal’s reputation as a center for aerospace excellence, as the simulator is both designed and built in the city by CAE. This shows how Canadian-made solutions are being used on a global scale.

Porter Airlines' partnership with ECTS and CAE is more than just business—it’s a commitment to safety, quality, and the future of flying. The new simulator in Montreal gives pilots the tools to prepare for real-world flying, while also helping the airline grow its modern fleet of Embraer jets.

As the aviation industry faces increased passenger demand and pilot shortages, such investments in advanced training technology are not only necessary but crucial for the safety and success of air travel worldwide.

Porter Airlines